Despite a solid performance for three quarters, the Emery Spartans were unable to keep pace with the Juan Diego Soarin’ Eagles in a 71-54 loss Saturday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Locked in a back-and-forth battle throughout the first half, Emery entered the half way point trailing 35-30. A third quarter run gave the Spartans a slim three-point lead, which turned into a 52-48 deficit going into final stanza.

From that point Juan Diego took complete control. Using an aggressive approach defensively, the Soarin’ Eagles forced several Spartan turnovers. Disrupting the flow of Emery’s offense, the Spartans were held without a field goal over the final eight minutes.

Emery senior Treven Brazier recorded 12 points to lead the team despite the setback. The 12 point performance comes just two days after scoring 20 in a season opening win over American Heritage.

Fellow senior Riggs Griffin logged 10 points despite being plagued with foul trouble throughout the first half. All 10 of Griffin’s points came in the second half as he managed to stay on the court despite playing with three fouls.

Juan Diego was led by senior guard Talon Valdes who poured in a game-high 28 points. Valdes was one of four starters returning from last year’s team, who reached the semifinals in the 4A classification.

Now 1-1 on the young season, the Spartan will shift their focus to Wednesday’s home tilt against the Union Cougars. Entering the second week of the season, Emery will play two games during the week, the second coming on the road Friday against South Summit.